The opening of 1 Nephi Chapter 1 (through verse 3) is similar to the opening of ancient Egyptian compositions, which typically include name of the author (the one actually writing the text), merits of the parents, confirmation of the truth of the writing, and a ceremonial closing, “and thus it is” (similar to Nephi’s phrase “And thus it is, Amen,” found in 1 Nephi 9:6; 14:30; 22:31; see Nibley, 17–18). This compositional structure is known as a “colophon,” an Egyptian literary device well established in ancient times. The Greek word colophon means “finishing touch.” In more recent times, the word colophon referred to an inscription (usually at the end of a book) giving the particulars about its publication, or to a publisher’s emblem or trademark typically located on a title page.